Some Arthritis Medications May Increase Stroke Risk

Oftentimes, the pain from arthritis, particularly for older adults, can be debilitating. Pain medication is often prescribed to combat the problem. Yet recent findings published in the journal Neurology show that some pain relievers and other pills used to ease related symptoms could increase the risk of stroke.

For the study, researchers specifically looked at COX-2 inhibitors that included such medications as meloxicam, etodolac, nabumeton and diclofenac. They also looked at a select group of non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen.

"While newer versions of these COX-2 inhibitors drugs have been pulled off shelves, older ones are still frequently prescribed," said study author Morten Schmidt, MD, of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, in a news release. "Our study provides further important evidence solidifying the risks of certain arthritic pain relievers and death from stroke."

Findings revealed that patients who were current users of COX-2 inhibitors had a 19 percent greater risk of death following stroke when compared to patients who did not take the drugs. Furthermore, new users of older COX-2 inhibitors, had a 42 percent higher risk of death from stroke when compared those who were not on the drugs.

"Our study supports stepping up efforts to make sure people with a higher risk of stroke are not prescribed these medications when other options are available," Schmidt concluded. 

However, at this time, the researchers did not find a link between non-selective NSAIDs and risk of stroke death.